Safety system for fluid conduit

ABSTRACT

A safety system for a fluid conduit comprising a flexible fluid conduit having first and second ends, a first valve seat disposed at the first end of the conduit and a second valve seat disposed at the second end of the conduit. The first and second valve seats are positioned a first predetermined distance from each other. A first plurality of valve bodies are disposed at the first end of the conduit and a second plurality of valve bodies are disposed at the second end of the conduit. The first and second valve seats are disposed between the first and second plurality of valve bodies, with the first and second plurality of valve bodies positioned a second predetermined distance from the first and second valve seats, respectively. A valve control means retains the first and second plurality of valve bodies the second predetermined distance from the first and second valve seats, respectively, during an open flow condition, and seats one or more of the first and second plurality of valve bodies with the first and second valve seats, respectively, during a conduit failure.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional No. 60/117,387filed Jan. 27, 1999.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to high-pressure fluid delivery systemsand more particularly to an improved safety conduit for use inhigh-pressure fluid delivery systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,357,998, which is incorporated byreference herein, there is a risk of conduit failure when working withhigh-pressure fluids.

When filling containers with compressed gasses or fluids or operatingequipment that relies on high-pressure fluid flow or compressed gas, itis necessary for the fluid/gas to be transferred from one container toanother. Although the fluid/gas can be transferred from one container toanother using solid piping, it is common in many situations to use aflexible conduit or hose attached between the containers. A flexiblehose allows ease of connection/disconnection of containers, as well as alimited range of motion between source and destination.

For example, compressed gas such as oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide andthe like are transported, stored and used in individual cylinders ofvarying size. In order to fill these cylinders with the desiredcompressed gas, it is necessary to connect each cylinder to a fillingstation manifold (either singly or in groups) at the location of a gasfiller/seller. In order to connect each cylinder to the filling stationmanifold, a flexible hose is used to allow for quickconnection/disconnection of the cylinders to the manifold. In addition,operating equipment that runs or uses compressed gas (such as forklifts)or pressurized fluids (such as hydraulic systems) also benefit from theease of use of flexible hose.

Hoses can fail, however, even though they are generally made fromdurable yet flexible materials/constructions, such as treated andreinforced rubber, neoprene, nylon, TEFLON™, stainless steel and others.Hose failures can occur from a number of causes, including ruptures andsplits/cuts. When a hose fails, it can cause substantial damage in anumber of ways. First, if a hose is completely severed or split, bothends of the hose can whip around wildly under the forces of thecompressed gas or fluid, now exerted from the delivery end and thereceiving end. In addition, if a cylinder is not secured, the pressureof the gas or fluid leaving the cylinder can cause the cylinder to movevery rapidly in the opposite direction of the gas/fluid. Both of thesesituations can result in substantial risk of personal injury, as well asproperty damage. Still further, a hose failure will cause a leak fromboth the delivery and receiving ends, leading to a costly waste of gasor fluid, the discharge of hazardous gas or fluids, as well as thepotential of filling the environment with hazardous fumes.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,357,998 discloses a successful fluid conduit safetysystem that uses a flexible, yet relatively stiff cable disposed insideof a hose to maintain single valve bodies at either end of the hose inan open position during normal or open operation. When a failurecondition, such as a rupture, cut, separation or stretch of the hoseoccurs, the valve bodies are able to seat with the valve seats, sealingboth ends of the hose. This prevents fluid/gas leaks from both sources(i.e. cylinder and filling apparatus). When a failure occurs, theflexible, yet relatively stiff cable may be severed, allowing the fluidpressure to force the valve bodies into engagement with the valve seats.If a hose failure does not sever the cable, the valve seats are eitherforced into engagement with the valve bodies or the valve bodies areforced into engagement with the valve seats. In either circumstance, aseal is accomplished by seating the valve bodies with the valve seats.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention involves a safety system for a fluid conduitcomprising a flexible fluid conduit having first and second ends, afirst valve seat disposed at the first end of the conduit and a secondvalve seat disposed at the second end of the conduit. The first andsecond valve seats are positioned a first predetermined distance fromeach other. A first plurality of valve bodies are disposed at the firstend of the conduit and a second plurality of valve bodies are disposedat the second end of the conduit. The first and second valve seats aredisposed between the first and second plurality of valve bodies, withthe first and second plurality of valve bodies positioned a secondpredetermined distance from the first and second valve seats,respectively. A valve control means retains the first and secondplurality of valve bodies the second predetermined distance from thefirst and second valve seats, respectively, during an open flowcondition, and seats one or more of the first and second plurality ofvalve bodies with the first and second valve seats, respectively, duringa conduit failure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The present invention will now be described by way of non-limitingexample, with reference to the attached drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a cut away view of a fluid/gas conduit safety system allowingfull gas/fluid flow in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cut away view of a single valve of a fluid/gas conduitsafety system with the valve open, allowing full gas/fluid flow;

FIG. 3 is a cut away view of a fluid/gas conduit safety system allowingno gas/fluid flow, because of a break in the conduit in accordance withthe present invention;

FIG. 4 is a cut away view of a fluid/gas conduit safety system allowingno gas/fluid flow because of a separation of the hose portion of theconduit in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a cut away view of a fluid/gas conduit safety system allowingno gas/fluid flow because of a stretching of the hose portion of theconduit in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a cut away view of an additional embodiment of a fluid/gasconduit safety system in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a diagram of a cylinder filling apparatus using a fluid/gasconduit safety system in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a diagram of a fluid/gas transport vehicle delivering orreceiving fluid/gas to or from a source/destination through fluid/gasconduit safety system in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a cut away view of an additional embodiment of a fluid/gasconduit safety system in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a cut away view of a single valve of an additional embodimentof a fluid/gas conduit safety system in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 11 is a cut away view of a single valve of an additional embodimentof a fluid/gas conduit safety system in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 12 is a cut away view of an additional embodiment of a fluid/gasconduit safety system in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a cut away view of a breakaway connector for use with afluid/gas conduit safety system in accordance with the presentinvention; and

FIG. 14 is a cut away view of a breakaway connector for use with afluid/gas conduit safety system in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 15 is a cut away view of a breakaway connector and fluid/gasconduit safety system in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 16 is a cut away view of a breakaway connector and fluid/gasconduit safety system in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

There is shown in FIG. 1 a fluid/gas conduit safety system 10. Fluid/gasconduit system 10 is comprised generally of a pair of connector ends 20a and 20 b, a fluid/gas conduit or hose 50 disposed between and attachedto the respective connectors and an internal cable 48 within hose 50, sothat compressed gas or fluids can flow through connector ends 20 a and20 b and hose 50 without leakage. Fluids and gasses can generally becollectively referred to as fluids.

Connector ends 20 a and 20 b are identical in design, except that theyare positioned at opposite ends of hose 50. Accordingly, gasses orfluids will flow from one connector end to the other, depending uponwhether a cylinder fill or a cylinder empty procedure is taking place.Connector ends 20 a and 20 b, when attached to their respective ends ofhose 50 are positioned a predetermined distance from each other,determined by the length of hose 50. For purposes of illustration,connector ends 20 a and 20 b will be described by reference to connectorend 20 a, with the understanding that connector end 20 b is constructedidentically, with like reference numbers having a “b” designationinstead of an “a” designation. In FIGS. 2 and 3, only reference numbersare used, without the “a” and “b” designations.

Connector end 20 a includes a body or housing 22 a and means forconnection to a source or destination, such as threads 24 for connectionto a valve, cylinder, manifold or other connection for the fill ordischarge of gas or fluid. Connector end 20 a has two openings. In anexemplary embodiment, housing 20 a is made of a metal such as brass orsteel. Other materials can be used that can withstand the pressure andchemical environment as will be understood by those skilled in the art.A first aperture or opening 52 a allows fluids to enter or leaveconnector end 20 a and the fluid/gas conduit system 10. A secondaperture or opening 56 a allows gas or fluid to enter or leave hose 50via connector end 20 a. Connector end 20 a may also include securingmeans (not shown) for securing hose 50 to connector end 20 a such as aferrule, clamp or adhesive. Connector end 20 a is substantially hollow,containing a center cavity 54 a through which gasses or fluids may passbetween opening 52 a and 56 a.

Two wedge shaped valve bodies 28 a and 26 a are disposed in centercavity 54 a. In an exemplary embodiment, valve bodies 28 a and 26 a aremade of a metal such as brass or steel, a plastic, a TEFLON™ compositematerial. Other materials can be used that can withstand the pressureand chemical environment as will be understood by those skilled in theart. Each valve body is angled in a generally wedge shape. In anexemplary embodiment, wedge shaped valve bodies 28 a and 26 a aresubstantially the same size, with the most acute end of each wedgeshaped valve body, 29 a and 39 a, pointed in the direction of opening 56a. Also in an exemplary embodiment, each valve body is wedge shaped withthe side closest to its respective sidewall (40 a and 38 a), curved insubstantially the same shape as the respective sidewall. The sideopposite end 29 a is seated against back wall 32 a and between lip 36 aand angled sidewall 40 a when in the open or gas/fluid flow position.The side opposite end 39 a is seated against back wall 30 a and betweenlip 34 a and angled sidewall 38 a when in the open or gas/fluid flowposition. The respective sidewalls, backwalls and lips form a recesswithin which, the respective valve body is positioned when the valve isin an open position.

Valve bodies 28 a and 26 a are maintained in the open position by links44 a and 42 a, respectively. Links 44 a and 42 a are made of a materialthat allows valve bodies 28 a and 26 a to remain in the open position toallow gas/fluid flow and pull valve bodies 28 a and 26 a into the closedor sealed position (described below) to restrict gas/fluid flow. In anexemplary embodiment, links 42 a and 44 a are rigid metal rods made fromstainless steel or monel. Other metals and materials such as brass,cable, plastic, and composites may be used as will understood by thoseskilled in the art. A first end of links 44 a and 42 a is connected tovalve bodies 28 a and 26 a at valve ends 29 a and 39 a, respectively.Also in an exemplary embodiment, links44 a and 42 a are substantiallythe same length.

Links 44 a and 42 a are connected to internal cable 48. In an exemplaryembodiment, a multipoint connector 46 a is used to attach links 44 a and42 a to internal cable 48. Multipoint connector 46 a can be made ofmetal such as brass or steel. Other materials can be used that canwithstand the pressure and chemical environment as will be understood bythose skilled in the art.

Internal cable 48 is also made from a flexible yet relatively stiffmaterial capable of retaining valve bodies 28 a and 26 a in therespective recesses in an open position allowing gas/fluid flow duringnormal operation. Exemplary materials for internal cable 48 are steelcable or braided cable. Other suitable materials for internal cable 48will be understood by those skilled in the art. Internal cable 48 can beconsidered a valve control means, particularly in combination withcables 44 a and 42 a.

Hose 50 is shown having a length L. A cut, tear, rupture or stretch ofhose 50 can cause hose 50 to increase in length L, constituting afailure condition. Flow and back flow directions are also shown. Flow isconsidered the gas/fluid fill or evacuation direction. Back flow isconsidered the resisting pressure

Opening 56 a is generally circular with sidewalls 40 a and 38 aextending at an angle away from opening 56 a towards backwalls 32 a and30 a, respectively. In an exemplary embodiment, internal cavity 54 a isgenerally conical with a truncated apex at or near opening 56 a and abase defined at or near backwalls 32 a and 30 a. Sidewalls 40 a and 38 aextend from the base portion to the apex portion. The upper part ofsidewalls 40 a and 38 a at the apex section of internal cavity 54 aserves as the valve seat in housing 22 a. This is identified as valveseats 57 and 59 in the cut away view of FIG. 2. In an alternativeembodiment, the cylindrical sidewall surface that defines opening 56 acan serve as the valve seat of the present invention. In an additionalembodiment (not shown) an O-ring may serve or be a part of the valveseat. Valve bodies 26 a and 28 a seat in valve seats 57 and 59 when inthe closed position. In an exemplary embodiment, wedge shaped valvebodies 28 a and 26 a are angled substantially the same as the angle ofconical sidewalls 40 a and 38 a.

When situated in their respective recesses during open or normaloperation, valve bodies 28 a and 26 a are positioned a predetermineddistance from their respective valve seats. The distance is determined,in part, by the size of the respective housing. The closer the valvebody pairs are to the valve seat, the faster the seating of the valvebodies in the valve seats during conduit failure, because of the shorterdistance that the valve bodies have to travel.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show the position of valve bodies 28 and 26 in the open(FIG. 2) and closed (FIG. 3) positions.

In FIG. 4 system 10 is shown with a cut or separation 58 in hose 50.When such a conduit failure occurs and internal cable 48 is severedinternal cable 48 no longer exerts the force necessary to maintain thevalve seats at a predetermined distance from the valve bodies, i.e. inthe open position. Each of the valve body pairs (28 a, 26 a) and (28 b,26 b) then engage their respective valve seats due to the pull ofinternal cable 48 towards the respective valve seats and/or the pressureof the gas or fluid flowing past the respective valve pairs. Each valvebody pair (28 a, 26 a) and (28 b, 26 b) essentially forms asubstantially solid single valve body during conduit failure whenengaging the respective valve seat. When seated, the valve body pairs,acting as a single valve body, are pulled sufficiently tight and closetogether to prevent the flow of gas or fluid (leakage).

In an exemplary embodiment, the valve seat pairs engage the respectivevalve body during certain conduit failures, such as severing of hose 50,substantially simultaneously with said conduit failure. In other conduitfailures, the valve seat pairs engage the respective valve body in threeseconds or less. Because of the damage that can arise from a whippinghose or release of hazardous fluid/gas into the atmosphere/environment,quick seating of a valve body pair with a valve seat is advantageous.

In FIG. 5, system 10 is shown with hose 50 being stretched a distance Xbeyond hose 50's normal length L. This causes a conduit failurecondition causing the respective valve body pairs to seat in therespective valve seats.

In FIG. 6, an alternate embodiment is shown. In this embodiment, anextended internal cable 49 has a greater length than internal cable 48shown in FIG. 1. Extended internal cable 49 is positioned in aserpentine distribution within hose 50. This serpentine positioningprovides additional flexibility and greater bending radius than arelatively straight internal cable as shown in FIG. 1. The serpentinepositioning maintains sufficient force against the valve bodies tomaintain them in the open position, within the respective recessesduring normal, open gas/fluid flow.

In another alternate embodiment (not shown), more than two wedge shapedvalve bodies are used, each valve body positioned in a separate recesswhen in the opened position. In such an embodiment, each wedge shapedvalve body may be separately connected to separate links that are, inturn, connected to internal cable 48. The more than two valve bodies ofthis embodiment would sill form a substantially solid valve body duringconduit failure when engaging the valve seat. This alternate embodimentcan be combined with the other embodiments shown in the figures anddescribed herein.

In still another embodiment (not shown) an external cable takes theplace of or operates in conjunction with internal cable 48. In such anembodiment, the external cable would be connected through a sealedlinkage to the valve bodies, the internal cable, the linking cablesand/or the multipoint connector.

In still another embodiment (not shown), internal cable 48 is apressurized tube that retains the valve bodies in an open position whenpressurized. When the pressure in the pressurized tube drops below apredetermined amount, there is insufficient pressure to maintain thevalve bodies in an open position. At that point, the valve bodies seat,closing the valve.

In still another embodiment (not shown), an electronic circuit measuresfluid/gas flow rate and/or pressure within hose 50. When pressure orflow rate reaches a predetermined level, the electronic circuit signalsa valve close condition. This signal would activate a valve closingmeans to release any retaining member that was maintaining the valvebodies in the open position, such as by severing or contracting aninternal cable or linking cable, or depressurizing an internalpressurized tube. The predetermined level in such an embodiment couldalso be set to account for extreme changes in flow rate or pressure, ifit was desired that such a condition should result in a valve closure.Such a system could provide a monitoring or early warning system forhose/system integrity.

In another embodiment (not shown), internal valve bodies and valve seatsare replaced by an external valve. Such an external valve is a valvelocated outside or beyond connector 20. In such an embodiment, theexternal valve is actuated through a sealed linkage. Valve closure wouldresult from the same conditions as described above with respect to theinternal valve bodies and valve seats.

In another embodiment (not shown), only a single valve (valve body/valveseat) is used at a single end of hose 50.

In FIG. 7, a cylinder filling station is shown with fluid/gas conduitsafety system 10 attached to a valve connected to a cylinder fillmanifold 60 at one end and a cylinder 62 valve at the other end.

FIG. 8 shows a fluid/gas transport vehicle 64 connected to asource/destination container 66 through fluid/gas conduit safety system10. Transport vehicle 64 can be delivering or receiving fluid/gas,depending upon the particular application.

In operation, a first end of the fluid/gas conduit is connected to afilling container, while the second end of the fluid/gas conduit isconnected to a receiving container. The term filling container is meantto represent a filling source and the term receiving container is meantto represent a receiving destination, regardless of whether either orboth is actually a container. The exact nature of the filling containerand the receiving container depends upon the ultimate application. Forexample, the filling container may be a transport vehicle or connectedthrough a hose or routing system before the connection is made to thefluid/gas conduit of the present invention. A similar situation mayapply to the receiving container. In addition, the receiving containermay be the actual use of the gas or fluid which is thus not actuallycontained.

In an additional embodiment, the flexible fluid conduit, such as hose50, shown in FIG. 1 is replaced with a non-flexible hose or pipe, suchas a steel, plastic or copper pipe.

Still another embodiment is shown in FIG. 9, with an outer, second hose68 surrounding an inner, hose 50 from hose system 10. Each of the innerand outer hoses is connected to a housing, such as connector housing 22.A gap or space (cavity) 70 is defined between inner hose 50 and outerhose 68. Gap 70 is filled with a material 72 which serves to indicatewhether a hose fault, such as a tear or puncture in inner hose 50 hasoccurred. Outer hose 68 serves as an indicator of a problem or potentialproblem with hose 50. Pressurized gas can be sealed in gap 70 at thefactory or pressurized by an optional separate fill valve shown as fillvalve 74. Fill valve 74 may be disposed on the outer hose or on thehousing, so long as it is in fluid communication with the cavity formedbetween the inner and outer hoses. A separate fill valve 74 allows thepressurized gas to be “topped off” to maintain pressure. A separate fillvalve 74 also allows for the pressurized gas to be replaced, or ifdesired, replaced with a different pressurized gas. Such an indicatorsystem is particularly useful where the hose failure has not caused acut off condition, causing the valve bodies to seat, as describedpreviously. Gap 70 is filled with a pressurized fluid/gas as material 72that will indicate that a tear, cut, puncture or other breach of outerhose 68 has occurred. For example, a pinhole type puncture may not besufficient to activate the valve seating. By using an outer, second hosewith a pressurized gap, a leak in the primary inner hose will cause apressure increase in the outer hose, causing it to deform. Thedeformation will be recognizable to the user. In still anotherembodiment, the hose material of the outer, second hose, changes colorwhen stretched by the increase in pressure from the inner hose leak.This change in color may be more readily identifiable to the user,indicating the leak or inner hose failure.

In another embodiment, gap 70 is filled with a pressurized fluid/gas asmaterial 72 that will indicate that a tear, cut, puncture or otherbreach of outer hose 68 has occurred. The pressurized gas can indicatethis failure condition of outer hose 68 by being a distinct color thatwill be recognized by a user. Preferably such a pressurized gas will bea different color than any fluid being transported through the hosesystem. A pressurized gas may also be used that reacts with the fluidbeing transported through the hose system so that in the event of a hosefailure. In this way, a first distinct color would be evident if therewas only a failure with outer hose 68. A second distinct color would beevident if the pressurized gas was contaminated with the fluid beingtransported through the hose system. In this way, the user could tell ifthere was an outer hose 68 failure or a failure of both inner hose 50and outer hose 68.

In still an additional embodiment of the system shown in FIG. 9, gap 70is filled with a sealing material that can seal a puncture, small tear,small cut or other minor breach of either hose 50 or hose 68. Such asealing material would harden or flexibly harden to match the flexibleproperties of the respective hose when in contact with the either thefluid being transported through the hose system (in the case of a breachof hose 50) or by the outside air (in the case of a breach of outer hose68). A sealing material of this type would preferably appear as adeformation (bump, irregularity, ridge, blob) or distinct color on thesurface of outer hose 68 in the case of a breach of outer hose 68. Asealing material of this type, in conjunction with the material of outerhose 68 would preferably show a deformation in the shape of outer hose68 in the event of a hose breach of inner hose 50 where there is nobreach of outer hose 68. Because a hose system of the present inventionis a safety system, it is desirablethat an outer hose with a sealingmaterial in gap 70 be used in conjunction with a cut off system, such asone of those described throughout this specification. In this way, thesealing material would only serve as a temporary fix to a minor hosebreach problem, with the main cut off system still in place in the eventthat the hose breach problem worsened or was not temporarily solved bythe sealing material. A sealing mechanism also controls the amount ofgas that can leak into the atmosphere.

FIG. 10 shows still another embodiment of the present invention. Aspring 76 is positioned behind each wedge shaped valve body 26 and 28.Springs 76 bias the valve bodies against the valve control means, suchas cable 48 and linking cables 42 and 44. Springs 76 insure andaccelerate valve closure by forcing the seating of the wedge shapedvalve bodies upon a hose failure. When a hose failure occurs, counterpressure from cables 44 and 42 is removed, allowing springs 76 toexpand, forcing each wedge shaped valve body to seat. In asub-embodiment, a single spring is used, instead of a separate springfor each wedge shaped body. This single spring would contact back wall30 and the side of the wedge shaped valve body that would otherwise bein contact with back wall 30.

FIG. 11 shows still another embodiment of the present invention. A flapor edge 78 is shown on the surface of each wedge shaped valve body 26and 28 in the path of fluid flow. In the event of a hose failure andrelease of the counter pressure holding back each wedge shaped valvebody, flap 78 assists the seating and speed of seating of each wedgeshaped valve body 26 and 28 due to the pressure of the fluid. Flap 78 ispreferably of a size that does not inhibit the satisfactory flow of thefluid. Flap 78 is of a size and orientation that will not interfere withseating of the valve bodies with the valve seats during a hose failure.

FIG. 12 shows another embodiment of the present invention wherein cable48 is replaced with a pressurized tube 80 containing a gas/fluid 81. Inan exemplary embodiment, pressurized tube 80 is terminated at each endwith a piston 82. Each piston 82 is then connected to a pair of links,such as links 42 a and 44 a. A multipoint connector, such as multipointconnector 46 a. Like in the previous emboidments, metal rods can be usedfor links 42 a and 44 a. Pressurized tube 80 can be made of a materialsuch as a flexible plastic or Teflon®. Pistons 82 can be made of amaterial such as plastic or stainless steel. Pistons 82 are shown witho-rings 84 forming a seal between the piston wall and the inside wall oftube 80. O-rings 84 allow limited movement of pistons within pressurizedtube 80, due to flexing of hose 50. In combination with pressurized tube80 is a spring mechanism 86. Spring mechanism 86 adds a bias against thepressure from pressurized hose 80. Upon failure, one or both pistons 82are released, depressurizing hose 80 and thereby releasing thecounterpressure against spring mechanism 86. The spring force thencauses the valve bodies to move into a sealing arrangement by seating inthe valve seat. The pressurized hose design is particularly useful forlonger distances where there may be so many coils/bends in cable 48 thatit can not maintain adequate pressure against the valve seats.

Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, a breakaway coupling system 90 is shownfor use with the present invention. Breakaway coupling system 90 is usedas an alternative form of coupling or connection to a pressurized fluidtransfer or delivery system to that of the threaded connector ends 20 aand 20 b shown in the previous embodiments.

Breakaway coupling system 90 is comprised of a barb 92, a fitting 94, arelease collar 96, a snap ring 98 and ball bearings 100. O-rings 102 arealso shown to provide a seal. Threads 24 are shown for mating with thedelivery source and/or receiving destination of the pressurized fluid,similar to threads 24 shown and described with respect to previousembodiments.

Barb 92 is inserted into a hose, such as hose 50. A plurality of ridges104 may be formed on the surface of barb 92 to assist in securing barb92 to hose 50. A securing means such as a crimped ferrule 106 or screwtightened securing ring (not shown) is used to secure hose 50 to barb92. Barb 92 has grooves for o-rings 102 b, 102 c, and 102 d. Fewer orgreater number of o-ring grooves and corresponding o-rings may be used,depending upon the application. O-rings 102 act as seal to preventleakage of pressurized fluid. Barb 92 also has an indentation or groove110, in which a ball bearing 100 can sit. In an exemplary embodiment, 12ball bearings 100 are used with a corresponding groove 110. Fewer orgreater number of ball bearings 100 and corresponding indentations orgroove 110 may be used, depending upon the application.

Barb 92 is inserted into a fitting 94. Fitting 94 provides thestructural detail to mount breakaway system 90 to thedelivery/destination equipment for the pressurized fluid. In theexemplary embodiment shown, threads 24 are shown. Other connection orcoupling means may be used as understood by those skilled in the art.Fitting 94 has an opening for mating with barb 92. O-rings 102 b and 102c form a seal against the internal walls of the barb receiving openingof fitting 92. Holes 112 extend through fitting 94 and have a diametersufficient to receive ball bearings 100. If not blocked, ball bearings100 can freely pass through holes 112. Holes 112 are designed to alignwith radiused groove 110 when barb 92 is fully inserted into fitting 94.Fitting 94 also has a groove for o-ring 102 a. O-rings 102 a and 102 dare used to seal against release collar 96. A ramp sided groove 114 isfor retaining a snap ring 98. Ramp sided groove 114 has inclined walls,wherein the inclination of the walls determines the release forcenecessary to overcome the retaining spring force of snap ring 98. Theforce necessary to allow a release condition can be set or adjusted byvarying the ramp angle of ramp sided groove 114 and/or the spring forceof snap ring 98

Release collar 96 has a recess or clearance groove 116 for snap ring 98and a recess or clearance groove 118 for ball bearing 100. When barb 92is fitted within fitting 94 and the barb fitting combination is fittedwithin release collar 96, snap ring 98 is positioned in both clearancegroove 116 and ramp sided groove 114, aligning and securing thecomponents of breakaway system 90. Release collar 96 can slide laterallyover fitting 94. In the exemplary embodiment, release collar 96 has atapered or stepped internal cavity which allows fitting 94 to beinserted from one side only. Upon release, this prevents fitting 94 frombeing pulled out along with barb 92. Release collar 96 is mounted via amounting means, such as a bracket (not shown) to the delivery and/ordestination equipment.

Operation of breakaway system 90 is shown, first with respect to FIG. 14with release collar 96 in the neutral or engaged position. In theneutral position, release collar 96 is positioned such that the innerwall of the opening in which fitting 94 is positioned presses againstball bearing 100, keeping ball bearing 100 pressed into groove 110 ofbarb 92. This downward force from the internal wall of fitting 94maintains barb 92 locked to fitting 94, which is in turn, locked torelease collar 96 by snap ring 98.

Upon a release condition, a force, such as the pulling of hose 50 awayfrom fitting 94 (in the release direction), pulls on barb 92. Becausebarb 92 is locked to fitting 94 and release collar 96 is fixedly mountedto the delivery and/or destination equipment, the barb 92/fitting 94combination will move laterally with respect to collar 96, from theneutral position shown in FIG. 14 to the release position shown in FIG.13. In order for this movement to occur, the force pulling on barb 92must be sufficient to overcome the snap ring force of snap ring 98. Thisforce causes snap ring 98 to bear against the ramps of ramp sided groove114. This cause the snap ring to expand and be forced out of ramp sidedgroove 114. This then allows fitting 94 to move relative to releasecollar 96. Once moved, ball bearings 100 and holes 112 become alignedwith clearance grooves 118. Clearance grooves 118 allow ball bearings100 to move out of engagement with grooves 110, freeing barb 92 fromengagement with fitting 94.

In an exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the above describedsafety system is fitted within a breakaway system 90, so that upon abreakaway/release condition, the safety system is activated, shuttingoff fluid flow by seating of the valve bodies in the valve seats. Insuch a breakaway system, one or more connectors, such as multipointconnector 46 may be designed to allow separation from cable 48 or links42/44 after enough force has been exerted to seat valve bodies 26/28 invalve seats 57/59. This would prevent further damage from pulling on thedestination/source equipment, while still cutting off fluid flow. Acondition that can cause such a breakaway condition is a container truckdriving away with a transfer hose still attached to the fill/deliverystation and the truck. When safety system 10 and breakaway system 90 areused a hose 50, containment of pressurized fluid is achieved at bothends during a breakaway failure condition. Breakaway system 90 may beused on one or both ends of a hose 50, but will generally be used on oneend.

Although illustrated and described herein with reference to certainspecific embodiments, the present invention is nevertheless not intendedto be limited to the details shown. Rather, various modifications may bemade in the details within the scope and range of equivalents of theclaims and without departing from the spirit of the invention.

What is claimed:
 1. A safety system for a fluid conduit comprising: aflexible fluid conduit having first and second ends; a first valve seatdisposed at said first end of said conduit and a second valve seatdisposed at said second end of said conduit, said first and second valveseats positioned a first predetermined distance from each other; a firstplurality of valve bodies disposed at said first end of said conduit anda second plurality of valve bodies disposed at said second end of saidconduit, said first and second valve seats disposed between said firstand second plurality of valve bodies, said first and second plurality ofvalve bodies positioned a second predetermined distance from said firstand second valve seats, respectively; and valve control means forretaining said first and second plurality of valve bodies said secondpredetermined distance from said first and second valve seats,respectively, during an open flow condition, and seating one or more ofsaid first and second plurality of valve bodies with said first andsecond valve seats, respectively, during a conduit failure.
 2. A safetysystem for a fluid conduit in accordance with claim 1, wherein saidflexible fluid conduit is a hose.
 3. A safety system for a fluid conduitin accordance with claim 1, further comprising a first housing attachedto said first end of said conduit, wherein said first valve seatcomprises an aperture in said first housing.
 4. A safety system for afluid conduit in accordance with claim 1, further comprising a firsthousing attached to said first end of said conduit, said first housinghaving a substantially conical and hollow internal cavity disposedtherein, said cavity having first and second apertures through whichfluid flows, said conical and hollow internal cavity having an apex anda base with angled sidewalls extending from said base to said apex, saidportion of said sidewalls near said apex comprises said first valveseat.
 5. A safety system for a fluid conduit in accordance with claim 4,wherein said conical and hollow internal cavity has a truncated apex. 6.A safety system for a fluid conduit in accordance with claim 4, whereinsaid conical and hollow internal cavity further comprises a firstrecesses for retaining said first valve body during an open flowcondition substantially out of the flow path of said fluid.
 7. A safetysystem for a fluid conduit in accordance with claim 6, wherein saidfirst recess is located at the base of said hollow internal cavity anddefined by said base, said first sidewall and a lip extending from saidbase across from said first sidewall a sufficient distance to allow saidfirst valve body to be positioned within said recess.
 8. A safety systemfor a fluid conduit in accordance with claim 6, wherein said firstplurality of valve bodies is comprised of two wedge shaped valve bodies.9. A safety system for a fluid conduit in accordance with claim 8,wherein said wedge shape of said first plurality of valve bodies isangled substantially identical to said conical sidewalls.
 10. A safetysystem for a fluid conduit in accordance with claim 9, wherein saidfirst plurality of valve bodies seat together at said first valve seatsubstantially forming a single valve body.
 11. A safety system for afluid conduit in accordance with claim 1, wherein said valve controlmeans comprises a flexible yet substantially rigid cable.
 12. A safetysystem for a fluid conduit in accordance with claim 11, wherein saidflexible yet substantially rigid cable is attached to said first andsecond plurality of valve bodies.
 13. A safety system for a fluidconduit in accordance with claim 12, further comprising first and secondlinks, each having first and second ends, wherein said respective firstends are connected to said flexible yet substantially rigid cable andsaid respective second ends are connected to said respective first andsecond plurality of valve bodies.
 14. A safety system for a fluidconduit in accordance with claim 13, wherein said links are flexible andsubstantially rigid.
 15. A safety system for a fluid conduit inaccordance with claim 13, further comprising a multipoint connectorattaching said first and second linking cables to said flexible andsubstantially rigid cable.
 16. A safety system for a fluid conduit inaccordance with claim 11, wherein said flexible fluid conduit and saidand substantially rigid cable each have a respective length and saidlength of said substantially rigid cable is longer than said length ofsaid flexible fluid conduit.
 17. A safety system for a fluid conduit inaccordance with claim 11, wherein said substantially rigid cable ispositioned within said flexible fluid conduit in a substantiallyserpentine position.
 18. A safety system in accordance with claim 1,further comprising a filling container connected to said first end ofsaid flexible fluid conduit and a receiving container connected to saidsecond end of said flexible fluid conduit.
 19. A safety system for afluid conduit in accordance with claim 4, wherein said conical andhollow internal cavity has a truncated apex.
 20. A safety system for afluid conduit in accordance with claim 9, wherein each of said firstplurality of valve bodies have a flap extending therefrom.
 21. A safetysystem for a fluid conduit in accordance with claim 1, wherein saidvalve control means comprises a tube.
 22. A safety system for a fluidconduit in accordance with claim 21, wherein said pressurized tube hasfirst and second ends and said valve control means further comprisespistons disposed at each end of said pressurized tube and a fluid or gasis pressurized within said tube.
 23. A safety system for a fluid conduitin accordance with claim 1, further comprising a breakaway connectordisposed on at least one end of said flexible fluid conduit.
 24. Asafety system for a fluid conduit in accordance with claim 23, whereinsaid breakaway coupling contains said first valve seat and said firstplurality of valve bodies.
 25. A safety system for a fluid conduitcomprising: a flexible hose having first and second ends; a firsthousing containing a valve seat disposed at said first end of said hoseand a second housing containing a second valve seat disposed at saidsecond end of said hose, said first and second valve seats positioned afirst predetermined distance from each other; a first pair of generallywedge shaped valve bodies disposed within said first housing at saidfirst end of said hose and a second pair of generally wedge shaped valvebodies disposed within said second housing at said second end of saidhose, said first and second valve seats disposed between said first andsecond pair of generally wedge shaped valve bodies, said first andsecond pairs of generally wedge shaped valve bodies positioned a secondpredetermined distance from said first and second valve seats,respectively; a first link connected to said first pair of generallywedge shaped valve bodies and a second link connected to said secondpair of generally wedge shaped valve bodies; a first connecting linkageconnected to said first linking cable and a second connecting linkageconnected to said second linking cable; and a cable having first andsecond cable ends, positioned within said hose, said first cable endconnected to said first connecting linkage and said second cable endconnected to said second linkage, said cable retaining said first andsecond pairs of generally wedge shaped valve bodies said secondpredetermined distance from said first and second valve seats,respectively, during an open flow condition, and seating one or more ofsaid first and second pairs of said generally wedge shaped valve bodieswith said first and second valve seats, respectively, during a hosefailure.
 26. A safety system for a fluid conduit comprising: a flexiblefluid conduit having first and second ends; a first valve seat disposedat said first end of said conduit and a second valve seat disposed atsaid second end of said conduit, said first and second valve seatspositioned a first predetermined distance from each other; a firstplurality of valve bodies disposed at said first end of said conduit anda second plurality of valve bodies disposed at said second end of saidconduit, said first and second valve seats disposed between said firstand second plurality of valve bodies, said first and second plurality ofvalve bodies positioned a second predetermined distance from said firstand second valve seats, respectively; valve control means for retainingsaid first and second plurality of valve bodies said secondpredetermined distance from said first and second valve seats,respectively, during an open flow condition, and seating one or more ofsaid first and second plurality of valve bodies with said first andsecond valve seats, respectively, during a conduit failure; and firstand second springs biasing said first and second plurality of valvebodies, respectively against said valve control means.
 27. A safetysystem for a fluid conduit in accordance with claim 26, wherein saidfirst and second springs are each comprised of a plurality of separatesprings corresponding to the number of valve bodies that comprise saidfirst and second valve bodies, respectively.